In the Frome Times and (hopefully Frome Standard and other newspapers) this week is my letter on local democracy and devolution in Mendip:

Dear Editor,

At the last Mendip District Council meeting, after surprisingly lively discussions on the recording and potential broadcasting of Council meetings, the Council’s financial investments, and membership of the Planning Board, I asked a few questions, about planning decisions and flytipping (more on those another time) and the state of our local democracy. After the recent impressive level of political involvement in the Scottish independence referendum, I wanted to know if the Council agreed with the calls for greater devolution of decision making to and within local authorities, and whether the Council is really doing enough to involve residents in its work.

Over three years ago Mendip’s re-elected Conservative administration suspended (for a year) the three area-based Community Partnerships, and promised to find a better way of working. The CPs were forums for local residents and community groups to raise issues in an area (e.g. the East Mendip CP covered Frome and surrounding villages) so district councillors elected by residents from that area could take action, but they lacked the decision making powers of the popular Area Boards which the Conservatives abolished years ago. As virtually all decisions are made by Mendip’s Cabinet and centralised committees, with minimal public or local involvement, and as the Community Partnerships are still in section 10 of the Council’s Constitution but are no longer running, I asked why the Council has still not either reinstated them or made more effort to replace them as it promised in 2011. The One Frome forum trialled by the Town Council last year was not a success, but I asked if the Council can find it is important that Mendip finds a way that better listens and responds to local people in each part of the district.

I was pleased that Mendip’s deputy leader did agree that community engagement is important and to meet up and take things forward. So I would like to know what everyone else thinks Mendip should do now to improve how it works with local residents and community groups, and how decision making can be brought as close as possible to the people. Answers on a e-postcard please to cllr.boyden@mendip.gov.uk. Further info on this is at www.adamboyden.mycouncillor.org.uk.
Adam Boyden, Mendip District and Frome Town Councillor, Frome College ward (Lib Dem)

Background: This came about after I asked a question at Mendip DC full Council meeting at the end of September (see here). I’ll post more details of the issue later today!